Either way I can safely bet there were precious few complaints today (Sept 28) when more than 2,000 bikers started their engines and left the Capilano Mall parking lot on their way to Hawrelak Park in their quest to help children at Christmas.
During the last Sunday each September, since 1984, the motorcycle community meets at the Mall for their annual toy run to assist 630 CHED Santas Anonymous.
Virtually every type of two wheel (and now three wheel) vehicle shows up at the ride, many adorned with gifts that will be distributed to Edmonton's needy at Christmas this year.
Little 50cc Honda Cubs - the brand new Polaris Slingshot (picture) - Bombardier Spyders - Scooters - and they're all being ridden by men, women, war veterans, Hells Angels, and even some of the 'elite' fund raising business people in our city - the likes of Quick Cards Lyle Best.
There are millions of dollars worth of fine metal at this event every year....
....and as Head Elf Lana Nordland understates "yes this is a very pricey parking lot!"
This weekend is huge for Santas Anonymous with a large influx of toys and cash to officially start this years campaign. The toys will be now be delivered to a warehouse at Northgate Industries and readied for 'volunteers' who will come wrap and designate the toys to the proper age group.
The bikers do a short route around the city and eventually end up at Hawrelak Park where the gathering is entertained by a classic rock band - enjoy find food from some of Edmonton's finest Food Trucks - and enjoy 'bonding with your brothers' no matter which walk of life you are from.
Fathers and Grandfathers.
Mothers and Grandmothers.
Kids and Grandkids all attend.
One group walked up to the volunteers holding the cash donation bins putting $20 bills in several of them.
When the volunteer said "thanks" they said "hang on...there's way more coming."
The cash is needed as much as the toys - paying for scotch tape, Christmas wrapping, and other needs for the annual campaign - which now donates over 25,000 toys in Edmonton.
It's an annual event for the Forbes Family.
If you know me that statement is obvious. If you don't know me the reason it is so close to me is that my late father Jerry Forbes started Santas Anonymous in 1955.
Unfortunately Dad passed away in September in 1981 and obviously had no knowledge of this event and how it has become a very important part of the annual Santas Anonymous campaign.
However, as I get home and think about this day, I can vividly see him in my mind with an all too familiar look when he awaited the call from the likes of the late Gary Draeger saying "another year is done Jer...we did good."
The fire place is going - the NFL is on the tv - there's a Cutty Sark scotch in his hand and he's likely enjoying the 'pride' of yet another campaign knowing that the citizens of Edmonton have made Santas Anonymous part of the "social fabric" of this city.
So - 'thank you' Edmonton motorcycle riders one and all.
Today, with the sound of 2,000 bikes starting up and heading towards Hawrelak, you get no apology from me for any 'noise' we make because it's damn well worthwhile!
Enjoy a few more pictures here from today's event.
The Grinch (left) shows up every year with his dog dressed up too.
My Edmonton bike (right) is a 2009 Yamaha FJR 1300. I keep
a Honda Gold Wing in Arizona.
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